{"id":2327,"date":"2026-09-18T10:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T10:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/?p=2327"},"modified":"2026-09-18T10:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T10:47:00","slug":"marlen-reusser-or-demi-vollering-can-anyone-challenge-the-two-favourites-in-the-world-championships-elite-womens-time-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/?p=2327","title":{"rendered":"Marlen Reusser or Demi Vollering? Can anyone challenge the two favourites in the World Championships elite women&#8217;s time trial?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-649429b2-b28f-11f1-9596-f78e5bf8758a\">For only the third time since the time trial was introduced to the Road World Championships in 1994, this weekend in Montreal the women will race the same distance as the men in the challenge against the clock.<\/p>\n<p>The 39.2km race is also the longest time trial the women have ever raced in the Championships, finally adding more than just a token of equality.<\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-34ef0d16-b34e-11f1-9b0e-bf6795ac2171-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When American rider Karen Brems-Kurreck won the first edition 32 years ago, she did so over 30km, 10km less than that year\u2019s men\u2019s winner, Chris Boardman, the Brit tackling a 40km course. But there have been some huge discrepancies since that first event, 2013 being the worst, the women racing a shocking 35km less than the men in Florence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel=\"\" data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\\\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\\\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header=\"\">\n<p><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"\/><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With its downhill start, uphill finish and 220m of vertical ascent, the course in Montreal this Sunday is a fascinating one, even if the gradients aren\u2019t too steep, but this, combined with the tight turns and the flat, open middle section make it a race for the complete time trialists.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-34ef0d84-b34e-11f1-bf3a-2f81832b2c50\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:849px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:141.46%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2026 UCI Road World Championships Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-849-80.png 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-650-80.png 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-480-80.png 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ-320-80.png 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ.png\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The route for the elite women&#8217;s TT <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Cycling Canada \/ UCI)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-34ef0de8-b34e-11f1-8566-b5e540ea041c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Switzerlands&#8217; Marlen Reusser is just that complete racer, but the race is far from a foregone conclusion, and here we examine the women we expect to be wearing rainbows on Sunday evening, and those who will challenge for the medals.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-marlen-reusser-switzerland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Marlen Reusser (Switzerland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-df228fde-b294-11f1-9196-e54f23cc84cd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Marlen Reusser (Movistar) during stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. (Photo by Alex Broadway\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJ7PjEvBk9znePNvUtaNDf.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df22906a-b294-11f1-8d2f-8dd4b23ec11b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As the defending champion, Marlen Reusser would always be one of the contenders, but since she won the title in Kigali last year she\u2019s shown little sign of slowing down when it comes to any discipline of racing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An excellent climber, she bases much of her racing style around the huge engine that allows her to perform so well against the clock. Of her 41 victories to date, 20 have been time trials, with five Swiss and four European titles to go with last year\u2019s inaugural world title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zwhDXPPJ2h93hv8yCHP8uK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zwhDXPPJ2h93hv8yCHP8uK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\"\/>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Since winning in Rwanda last year, she\u2019s only raced four time trials, winning last year\u2019s European Championships TT before taking victories at the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France Femmes, setting up her stint in the yellow jersey at the latter. Second place in the Giro d\u2019Italia Women mountain time trial is the only blot on her copybook, where she ceded more than a minute to a flying Anna van der Breggen.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She\u2019s arrived in Canada with a repeat in mind, obliterating the opposition to take victory at the Chrono F\u00e9minin de Gatineau, and she will start Sunday\u2019s championship race as favourite.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-demi-vollering-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Demi Vollering (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-df22918c-b294-11f1-8c51-d7d2a774012c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Demi Vollering (FDJ United - SUEZ) during stage 4 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia Women in Nevegal, Italy. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B6zGpnLpdnaZDxsEGCqByc.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-df22920e-b294-11f1-9878-cdf5995f5408\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The overwhelmingly dominant rider in the women\u2019s peloton, Demi Vollering will doubtless start the race as second favourite, though of her 69 career victories, only three have come against the clock.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The most recent of those was well over two years ago in the short 6.3km Tour de France Femmes test in Rotterdam. Since then she has raced on her TT bike only four times, and while she has been a regular podium finisher in time trials, she\u2019s often lost out to Reusser, coming closest to the Swiss rider at the Giro d\u2019Italia Women this year, finishing only three seconds down on her way to overall victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Vollering, though, is brilliant at targeting races and, having never won a rainbow jersey of any kind, she won\u2019t care in which discipline one comes her way, provided one does, so the 29-year-old will be hugely motivated and in possession of the skills and power to win this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-elisa-longo-borghini-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-5ee07fec-b295-11f1-b4cb-0f191f0f9794\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Elisa Longo Borghini(UAE Team ADQ) during stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de Suisse in Aarburg, Switzerland. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yD9V5yEeBaP3YNjzn9C82H.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5ee08064-b295-11f1-b4ba-13eed5ba4129\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another rider without a rainbow jersey of any description to her name. Elisa Longo Borghini\u2019s greatest strength is possibly her huge engine, and she is already accomplished against the clock, taking seven national titles over her long career. She\u2019s a great descender for the opening kilometres, and has the power to make light of the final climb to the line, making this a course perfectly suited to her abilities.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though illness forced her out of the Italian nationals, she has raced three TTs this year, finishing in the top 10 in each of them, though she was 1:04 and 1:03 behind Reusser at the Tour de Suisse and Tour de France respectively.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She has, though, been building form since recovering from a springtime illness, and barring disaster, will arrive in Canada in a position to at least challenge for the podium.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-zoe-baeckstedt-great-britain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Great Britain)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-564cd82e-b297-11f1-bad0-c1e86e3725de\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Zoe B&amp;auml;ckstedt of Great Britain and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM during stage 3a of 12th 2026 Baloise Ladies Tour 2026 in Maaseik, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uvJcVNvSD3TcFYrTSK3MFg.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-564cd8ec-b297-11f1-82d0-572fb31268b0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Only 21, this is Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt\u2019s first elite Worlds after dominating the age group categories. The Welsh rider put almost two minutes into second place to win the under-23 race last year, also winning the European U23 title in 2023. She has a junior world title too, winning in 2022 after finishing second the year before. It\u2019s fair to say B\u00e4ckstedt is able to rise to the big occasion against the clock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year, however, she is up against the sport\u2019s biggest, most established names, but she just may be able to spring a surprise. Despite her age, she already has eight time trial wins to her name, and in June successfully defended her British title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the WorldTour she finished second at the Tour de Suisse in June and fourth at the Tour de France Femmes TT, both times behind Reusser, proving she is the real deal, despite her age. On the road she\u2019s successfully proved she can go uphill, so the climb shouldn\u2019t be too much of an obstacle, but the distance just might.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The longest TT of her career to date was 27km at last year\u2019s National Championships, almost 13km shorter than this weekend\u2019s race, where the competition will be far tougher.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-cedrine-kerbaol-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>C\u00e9drine Kerbaol (France) <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-9b7dba9e-b29c-11f1-bfcf-1dcf75c1109b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cedrine Kerbaol (EF Education-Oatly) during stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de Suisse in Aarburg, Switzerland. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U2zve4AFuRiUyXfKecPFbd.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b7dbb16-b29c-11f1-8a5f-9907c62e7e68\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of the brightest stars of French cycling, C\u00e9drine Kerbaol is a former double French TT champion and while she has no significant results at an age-group level and has never won an international TT, she is a rider who is constantly improving.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though not quite on the level of Vollering when going uphill, she is one of the best climbers in the women\u2019s peloton, and is explosive enough to deal with the Montreal course\u2019s corners. And as arguably the best descender in the bunch, the opening kilometres are certainly where she can make a difference.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year she has top-10 finishes in both WorldTour TTs she\u2019s raced, taking seventh place in Gevrey-Chambertin during the Tour de France Femmes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-9b7dbbfc-b29c-11f1-92d1-8d3dcceefcb9\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx - Protime) during stage 3a of the 2026 Baloise Ladies Tour in Maaseik, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HaScyMDRq7aB7xT9gMzMwS.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b7dbc6a-b29c-11f1-9b9d-c336c670fac9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though there can be no question that Lotte Kopecky is one of the best cyclists in the world, it is also fair to say the Belgian superstar is not in the form of two years ago when she took her last world title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Not only was Kopecky sixth in the Paris Olympics time trial, she has European titles on her lengthy palmar\u00e8s in the discipline, which also includes two top 10 World Championships finishes from two starts \u2013 alongside, of course, her two road race world titles.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, her recent TT form has not been great, managing only fourth place at the Belgian nationals and 88th at the Tour de France Femmes, her most recent outing, though there she had been working for the team\u2019s GC riders. More relevant, perhaps, was her third place behind B\u00e4ckstedt at the Baloise Ladies Tour in July.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But this is Lotte Kopecky, and should she find that elusive form, she\u2019s perfectly able to reach the podium in Montreal.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-juliette-berthet-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Juliette Berthet (France) <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-9b7dbd50-b29c-11f1-b4d9-2d1c20d2981e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Juliette Berthet (FDJ United-SUEZ) during stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xeKtQqfWa8CxwWEa3fHxW6.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b7dbdbe-b29c-11f1-b7cc-4d25fefae695\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For so many years French women\u2019s cycling had few figureheads, with just Audrey Cordon-Ragot ploughing a lone furrow, but Juliette Berthet was one of the first riders to emerge from the country\u2019s malaise.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Turning pro aged just 19, she took her first French TT title in 2020 and has been there or thereabouts ever since. Excellent against the clock, last year she was seventh and sixth at the 2025 World and European championships respectively, and is a consistent top-10 finisher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Freed from the domestique role she so often performs in support of Vollering, she proved her form with two stage wins and the GC victory at last week\u2019s Faun Tour Femmes, and with that freedom in Sunday\u2019s race she should be able to challenge in Montreal.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-kristen-faulkner-usa\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Kristen Faulkner (USA) <\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-9b7dbe9a-b29c-11f1-a1c5-813607a1674c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:65.92%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kristen Faulkner (EF-Oatly-Cannondale) during stage 3 of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEaye62JxqJhZeBaz9B6eF.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b7dbf08-b29c-11f1-b357-497e12bd2c26\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It\u2019s not been the greatest year for Kristen Faulkner but the 33-year-old can never be written off, especially against the clock.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Currently the Pan-American TT champion, having won that title as the first race of her season in March, Faulkner has a huge engine, something she\u2019s relied on for the vast majority of her 12 career victories, whether they have been on the road or in time trials.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Along with the Pan-Am title, her only win of 2026 to date, all her best results during 2026 have been in time trials, with sixth place in Gevrey-Chambertin in the Tour de France Femmes TT the only other top-10 placing this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Bad luck and injury means her record at Worlds isn\u2019t great, with sixth place in 2023, her only participation, but she\u2019s extremely strong and wouldn\u2019t be on the start line if she didn\u2019t feel she could be competitive.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-antonia-niedermaier-germany\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Antonia Niedermaier (Germany)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-92c1f566-b29f-11f1-8d02-9173fa373bc7\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Antonia Niedermaier (CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto) during stage 1 of the 2026 Vuelta Extremadura Feminas in Herrera del Duque, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Baixauli\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yARKPrBdTv9UHAwD4hFDej.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-92c1f5f2-b29f-11f1-ad77-8f0e67bd2048\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year&#8217;s German national champion, Antonia Niedermaier is one of the sport\u2019s up and coming riders. Even at age-group level she was able to bag results against the clock, finishing third as a junior and second at under-23 Europeans. In her two World Championships outings she has finished fourth and sixth and is fast improving.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While her Tour de France Femmes TT this year was stymied by domestique duties, at the Giro d\u2019Italia Women she finished fourth. She might not be able to unseat Reusser this year, but a podium finish is very possible.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-the-dark-horses\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>The dark horses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-92c1f6ba-b29f-11f1-98c3-01132489e67b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Though she is yet to bag a top level TT win, <strong>Lieke Nooijen <\/strong>(Netherlands) has been flying against the clock in recent years, with consistent top five finishes. This year alone she finished third in the Dutch championships before taking a brilliant second place in the Tour de France Femmes TT behind Reusser. However, a broken collarbone at the Tour of Britain Women will have hindered her preparation.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Franziska Koch<\/strong> (Germany) has had a stunning season, bossing the Classics before winning Paris-Roubaix Femmes. As well as being the German road champion, this year she won the TT title too. She is a consistent time trialist but has never been a regular top-five finisher.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For British rider <strong>Anna Morris,<\/strong> her first road Worlds is a big step, though the 31-year-old Welshwoman shouldn\u2019t be overwhelmed as she is a supremely accomplished track rider with world titles to her name. On the road she has two silver medals in the national TT championships and a number of other big results, and a top five in Montreal is not beyond her.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A triple Austrian time trial champion, <strong>Christina Schweinberger<\/strong> has two previous top 10s at Worlds, including third place in 2023, and a repeat could well be on the cards, however, she\u2019s not raced since breaking her wrist during stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes at the beginning of August.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finishing fifth last year in Rwanda, before heading to the Europeans and going one place better, it\u2019s hard to ignore Norway\u2019s <strong>Katrine Aalerud<\/strong>. However, other than her ride to win a fifth national title in June, she\u2019s had an unremarkable season, though she may be able to pull something out of the hat.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-64942ade-b28f-11f1-a464-91746f057c69\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><em\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/marlen-reusser-or-demi-vollering-can-anyone-challenge-the-two-favourites-in-the-world-championships-elite-womens-time-trial\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For only the third time since the time trial was introduced to the Road World Championships in 1994, this weekend&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TJ6azdnaTEyEdB73wxoDiJ.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2327"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dwts-elimination.myftp.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}